Should I Keep the Wire That Came on My Money Tree?

The wire on your money tree plant may be there to help shape its growth.

The money tree plant (Pachira aquatica) is an attractive evergreen plant with a tradition of bringing good luck to its owner. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, it will not tolerate cold temperatures and is commonly grown as a houseplant or bonsai.

Size

In their native tropics, money trees reach stunning heights of over 60 feet, notes the California Rare Fruit Grower's Association; as houseplants, however, they rarely grow over 8 feet. As bonsai, they usually remain even smaller, and may be wrapped in wire.

Wire

Wire is used to direct and shape the growth of bonsai plants. Money tree plants are often grown as bonsai. Many have three trunks braided together. Growers use wire to direct branches to grow a certain way by wrapping the wire around the branches, usually to extend the uppermost branches of the tree or plant. If you want to keep the shape of your plant, leave the wire in place. If you don't mind the branches drooping, or you just want the plant to grow in its natural form, remove the wire, taking care not to damage the wood.